Traditionally all champagne comes from the Champagne Region of France. If it does not say France somewhere on the label, it falls into the category of sparkling wine and is simply and unquestionnably not considered true champagne. France is the land of the wedding castle.

France is a country that has an amazing affinity for its land. It is a land of 365 cheeses - a cheese for every day of the week. French people know the different “terroirs” - the country, its micro-climate and its produce and especially its wine. They have an innate appreciation for the effect of soil, and sun on different plots of land at a cross-intersection where one produces bottles worth 5 euros and another worth 20 and the best worth over 150 euros. You and I might struggle with this but Oz Clark describes it poetically.

Some fine well-known champagne from France include Veuve Clicquot or Moet & Chandon. Available in mini and full sized bottles, the smaller bottles are perfect for that one-time toast or for serving guests in a garden party reception. We have been able to buy Veuve Clicquot simply off the shelf one bottle at a time for 23 euros a bottle last year (part of the Intermarche empire) 4 minutes away is cheaper than lots of wine merchants who promise your good prices.

As one would expect, the cost of the tried and true French Champagnes are exorbitant. Savings can be found both online and by buying from case lots.

For serving champagne there are two styles of glasses to choose from. The wide rimmed round glasses with shorter stems of yesteryears, perfect for a vintage themed reception, or the more modern elongated flute, which provides an elegant air.

Some venues will have both styles of glasses to choose from, while others will require you to seek an outside rental agency to provide them. You may even wish to purchase champagne flutes as a wedding favor to help guests remember what could be possibly their first taste of real champagne. Add an additional personal touch to your favor by engraving them with your wedding details.

A tried and true decorative feature that incorporates champagne is the creation of a champagne fountain out of tiered glasses. They can be arranged on a turntable or stationary, with or without lights, and serve anywhere from eight to sixty glasses at a time. A champagne pyramid properly phtographed looks spectacular. If you can instruct yor caterers and your photographer that you want one.

For a truly stylish gwedding, nothing flows better than true Champagne. If you budet just simply will not stretch that far go for Champagne Methodoise - vouvray from the Loire Valley is a sparkling Chenin Blanc champagne style alternative. The Loire Valley really is the most beautiful wine region in the world with glorious wedding castle sprinkled around every bend.

Cava is also a reasonably priced alternative.

Champagne at the head table at your french wedding castle is worth the cost. It is your day.